Jackets in the NFL

[GTJT622]

As preseason approaches in full swing, here is a list of former Jackets entering camps from ESPN.com (scroll down)... http://espn.go.com/nfl/college/_/letter/g (note, Philip Wheeler is incorrectly listed as a Miami Dolphin...he is a San Francisco 49er)

Sneezy projected as a starter at OLB for the Chargers... http://espn.go.com/blog/san-diego-c...rting-lineup-projection?ex_cid=espnapi_public

TJ Barnes projected to make the final 53 man roster by the Jets... http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/52246/new-york-jets-53-man-roster-projection

Mario Butler and Rod Sweeting each projected to be cut by the Bills... http://espn.go.com/blog/buffalo-bil...3-man-roster-projection?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Kevin Cone not on the projected final 53 man roster of the Browns... http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/84920/cleveland-browns-53-man-roster-projection

Andrew Gardner is projected to make the final 53 man roster of the Eagles... http://espn.go.com/blog/philadelphi...3-man-roster-projection?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Stephen Hill is projected to make the final 53 man roster of the Panthers... http://espn.go.com/blog/carolina-pa...3-man-roster-projection?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Isaiah Johnson is projected to be cut by the Lions... http://espn.go.com/blog/detroit-lio...3-man-roster-projection?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Zach Laskey is projected to be cut by the Rams... http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-ra...3-man-roster-projection?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Quayshawn Nealy is projected to be cut by the Seahawks... http://espn.go.com/blog/seattle-seahawks/post/_/id/13477/seattle-seahawks-53-man-roster-projection

DeAndre Smelter has been placed on the PUP list to start the season by the 49ers.

Jamea Thomas is not on espn.com's projected Titans' 53 man roster... http://espn.go.com/blog/tennessee-titans/post/_/id/14789/tennessee-titans-53-man-roster-projection

Darren Waller is projected to be cut by the Ravens... http://espn.go.com/blog/baltimore-r...3-man-roster-projection?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Brandon Watts is projected to be cut by the Vikings... http://espn.go.com/blog/minnesota-v...oster-roster-projection?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Philip Wheeler is projected to make the final 53 man roster by the 49ers... http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/119106/san-francisco-49ers-53-man-roster-projection

Louis Young is projected to be cut by the Panthers... http://espn.go.com/blog/carolina-pa...3-man-roster-projection?ex_cid=espnapi_public

Now, not all of these projections are obviously going to be accurate. But, it does provide some insight into the opinion of some of these guys heading into camp. And, if they do get cut there is always the chance they will hook on with another club or make a practice squad. Will be fun to follow them in August. Good luck to all of them. Obviously, some guys like Megatron, Bay Bay, Vance Walker, Daryl Smith, etc., are comfortably secure in their roster spots.

 

[BornAJacket]

article on Smelter

http://www.ramblinwreck.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072915aaa.html

 

[GTJT622]

Good article by Winky. Thanks for posting it. I recall a time when Broncos fans thought their management had lost their minds in drafting Bay Bay Thomas in the first round (just ahead of the other head scratcher in Tim Tebow). Bay Bay struggled his first 2 years due to various injuries that held him back. Now, he's perhaps the best at his position in the game. I'm not expecting the same for DeAndre of course, but hopefully once he gets fully recovered 100% he can and will step in to show the patient Niners organization they made a very smart move in drafting him in the 4th round.

 

[GTJT622]

Great opportunity for Shaq to shine... http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/...ots_getting_set_for_very_young_offensive_line

 

[Texwood]

One missed on the ESPN list above is Emmanuel Dieke with the Dolphins. Dion Jordan's suspension for the entirety of the 2015 season opens up an opportunity for Dieke to make the roster.

 

[GTJT622]

Thanks Texwood!!!

 

[GTJT622]

Stephen Hill tears ACL, cut by Panthers. http://oldnorthbanter.com/2015/08/02/stephen-hill-cut-after-acl-tear/

NFL career likely is over I'm guessing.

 

[BornAJacket]

Also heard that Michael Johnson was hurt recently too.

Hope it is not serious.

 

[GTJT622]

Michael Johnson expected to be out 4 weeks. Outside chance he will be available by Week 1 of the regular season. Thank Buddha "only" a sprain and not a tear of the MCL.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...s-michael-johnson-out-4-weeks-with-mcl-sprain

 

[BornAJacket]

thanks for the update.

Wish the Falcons could have signed him.

 

[Texwood]

Practice observations: Jimmy Garoppolo finally works with starters, Shaq Mason shines, Dominique Easley returns

"Shaq Mason had a terrific day. His highlight occurred in one-on-ones when he pancaked Zach Moore. Mason and Tre’ Jackson have monopolized the reps at starting guard."

Sounds like Shaq is making a strong push to start as a rookie!

 

[ESPNjacket]

Practice observations: Jimmy Garoppolo finally works with starters, Shaq Mason shines, Dominique Easley returns

"Shaq Mason had a terrific day. His highlight occurred in one-on-ones when he pancaked Zach Moore. Mason and Tre’ Jackson have monopolized the reps at starting guard."

Sounds like Shaq is making a strong push to start as a rookie!

Mason is getting reps with the first team. He was a steal in the 4th round.

 

[GTJT622]

First NFL preseason game is this upcoming Sunday night with the traditional Hall of Fame Game in Canton, OH. (8pmET, NBC)

The Steelers and Vikings will kick off the preseason. Since I'm starved for actual football - even the exhibition variety right now - I will check in with hopes of seeing former Jacket, Brandon Watts, do some good things for the guys in purple. Currently, he's the only Jacket among those 2 teams on roster. Watts is fighting to keep a roster spot so he needs a solid August. With his speed, he should be a demon on special teams coverage at minimum.

 

[ESPNjacket]

Kevin Cone not on the projected final 53 man roster of the Browns... http://espn.go.com/blog/afcnorth/post/_/id/84920/cleveland-browns-53-man-roster-projection

Kevin Cone was cut by the Browns and signed with the Dolphins this week. The Dolphins signed him prior to last year, cut him before the season started, and now have him back in camp.

 

[GTJT622]

Thanks mate. I appreciate any/all updates on our former Jackets at the next level.

 

[BornAJacket]

Mason is getting reps with the first team. He was a steal in the 4th round.

Excellent news, keep working hard Shaquille.

 

[GTJT622]

There is a chance Mason could start at LG and fellow rookie and 4th round pick from FSU, Tre' Jackson, could start at RG. We'll see. Tre' Jackson almost signed with Tech out of HS. Wouldn't that have been one heck of a combo on the OL?

 

[GTJT622]

Zach Laskey is featured in this Rams Camp article... http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_de5aa59b-eafd-5add-9043-e7548e0053eb.html

As expected, Zach shows great maturity and has the right focus with his comments.

 

[BornAJacket]

There is a chance Mason could start at LG and fellow rookie and 4th round pick from FSU, Tre' Jackson, could start at RG. We'll see. Tre' Jackson almost signed with Tech out of HS. Wouldn't that have been one heck of a combo on the OL?

WOW, no doubt about it.

 

[BornAJacket]

Zach Laskey is featured in this Rams Camp article... http://www.stltoday.com/sports/foot...cle_de5aa59b-eafd-5add-9043-e7548e0053eb.html

As expected, Zach shows great maturity and has the right focus with his comments.

I always thought Zach would have a hard time, he's not quite big enough and fast enough to grab the attention of most NFL coaches. But he impresses when he gets an opportunity.

 

[GTJT622]

It is important IMO that Shaq succeeds. It can give CPJ and CMS a guy to point to that has made it big in the NFL and overcome the typical stereotypes labeled towards OL's in our funky offense. It can help recruiting. Then again, that should be the case regardless of our scheme. But, you know what I mean.

More love for Shaq in New England... http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/...q_mason_s_attitude_in_line_with_patriots_mold

"Shaq Mason's attitude in line with Patriots mold"

The opening is there

Obviously, the fourth-round draft pick has made strides in the weeks since coming to Foxboro. In the wake of the retirement of Dan Connolly and with Ryan Wendell recovering from a shoulder injury, the competition for the starting guard spots has been a focus at training camp. According to Belichick, Mason’s experience at Georgia Tech has the rookie in a predictable spot.

“Shaq’s kind of an interesting guy,” Belichick said. “He was in a run-oriented offense there at Georgia Tech. They only threw the ball a handful of times each game, so he’s got a ways to go in pass protection. He’s really smart. He’s picked up things well. Now, we’ll just keep getting him more reps and see where he can improve. I’d say he’s ahead of most rookies as a run blocker and probably behind a little on the passing end.”

Johnson, who as an eight-year coach at the U.S. Naval Academy, had a close relationship with Belichick’s late father, Steve, believes that skill will come in time. He envisions a bright future with the Pats for Mason.

“I think New England took a chance on him and I think they’re going to be happy they did,” Johnson said, “because he’s going to be a good player for them for a long time.”

 

[BornAJacket]

I agree with Johnson about Mason, he's going to have a long NFL career.

 

[GTJT622]

Watts last night... 1 solo and 2 assists

 

[ESPNjacket]

Watts last night... 1 solo and 2 assists

Velemoochi had more tackles. Velemoochi is part god.

 

[Texwood]

It's looking like Dieke is the 5th best DE on a team that will probably keep only 4. Dieke is having a strong camp but Terrence Fede, a 2nd year guy from Marist is really tearing it up for the Dolphins. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Dieke land on someone's 53-man roster this season.

 

[GTJT622]

Thursday, Aug. 13, games involving Jackets...(times eastern)

7:30pm (tape delay broadcast 4pm Friday via NFL Network): Saints (none) at Ravens (Daryl Smith & Darren Waller)

7:30pm (Live on NFL Network!): Packers (Morgan Burnett) at Patriots (Shaq Mason)

7:30pm (tape delay broadcast 5am Friday via NFL Network): Jets (T.J. Barnes and new O-Coord. Chan Gailey) at Lions (Calvin Johnson and Isaiah Johnson)

8:00pm: *MY* Redskins (none) at Browns (none)...note, I will be watching this with special emphasis on *MY* Redskins' punting game...we figure to do a lot of that this season as usual

8:00pm (tape delay broadcast 10am Friday via NFL Network): Dolphins (Kevin Cone and Emmanuel Dieke) at Bears (none)

10:00pm (Live on NFL Network joined in progress!): Cowpunks (none, thank Buddha!) at Chargers (Sneezy)

 

[GTJT622]

Thursday box score bullets:

Darren Waller (Ravens) -- 3 targets, 1 reception, 12 yards
Daryl Smith (Ravens) -- no stats, unclear if he played or not...as a 33-year old starter, if he did play likely only a series to start the game would be my guess

Morgan Burnett (Packers) -- 0 solo tackles, 2 assists

Shaq Mason (Patriots) -- threw a key block as a pulling guard to assist RB Jonas Gray on a 55-yd TD run... http://musketfire.com/2015/08/14/the-patriot-way-new-england-patriots-news-814/
The long scoring run, aided by a strong block from pulling left guard Shaq Mason, sparked memories of his 201-yard outing against the Indianapolis Colts during the 2014 regular season.

TJ Barnes (Jets) -- no stats

Calvin Johnson (Lions) -- no stats, unclear if he played or not
Isaiah Johnson (Lions) -- 2 solo tackles

Kevin Cone (Dolphins) -- 5 targets, 2 receptions, 30 yards, long reception of 21 yards
Emmanuel Dieke (Dolphins) -- 0 solo tackles, 1 assist

Sneezy (Chargers) -- 2 solo tackles, 1 assist

 

[GTJT622]

Friday, Aug. 14, games involving Jackets...(times eastern)

7:00pm (Live on NFL Network!): Titans (Derrick Morgan and Jamea Thomas) at Falcons (none)

7:00pm (tape delay broadcast 10am Saturday on NFL Network): Panthers (Louis Young) at Bills (Mario Butler and Rod Sweeting)

7:30pm: Giants (none) at Bengals (Michael Johnson is injured and won't play)

7:30pm: Steelers (none) at Jaguars (none)

10:00pm (tape delay broadcast 1am Saturday on NFL Network): Rams (Zach Laskey) at Raiders (none)

10:00pm (Live on NFL Network!): Broncos (Demaryius Thomas and Vance Walker) at Seahawks (Quayshawn Nealy)

 

[Texwood]

So great to have all of this in one place. Thanks for keeping us posted!

 

[GTJT622]

Friday's box score bullets:

Derrick Morgan (Titans) -- 1 solo tackle, 0 assists
Jamea Thomas (Titans) -- 7 solo tackles, 0 assists

Louis Young (Panthers) -- none

Mario Butler (Bills) -- 6 solo tackles, 0 assists, 1 pass defended
Rod Sweeting (Bills) -- 2 solo tackles, 0 assists

Zach Laskey -- 0 carries, 1 target, 1 reception, 9 yds receiving

Demaryius Thomas (Broncos) -- none
Vance Walker (Broncos) -- 0 solo tackles, 2 assists

Quayshawn Nealy (Seahawks) -- 1 solo tackle, 0 assists

 

[GTJT622]

Saturday, Aug. 15, games involving Jackets...(times eastern)

8:00pm (Live on NFL Network!): Bucs (none) at Vikings (Brandon Watts)

8:00pm (tape delay 12am Sunday on NFL Network): 49ers (DeAndre Smelter injured) at Texans (George Gutsy O-Coord.)

9:00pm (tape delay 3am Sunday on NFL Network): Chiefs (none) at Cardinals (none)

 

[GTJT622]

Saturday's box score bullets:

Brandon Watts (Vikings): 1 solo tackle, 0 assists

Only Sunday game is the Colts (no Jackets) at the Eagles (Andrew Gardner) at 1pmET live on NFL Network.

 

[GTJT622]

Encouraging words about Brandon Watts from Vikings coach Mike Zimmer... http://www.1500espn.com/sportswire/...ing_much_more_physical_in_second_season081815

 

[GTJT622]

Positive vibes for Darren Waller to make the Ravens' final 53 man roster... http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2015/8/19/9174767/can-darren-waller-make-the-ravens-final-roster (check out the poll results at the end as well)

 

[BornAJacket]

Glad to hear this news, hope Waller makes the cut

 

[GTJT622]

Thursday, Aug. 20, games involving Jackets...(times eastern)

7:30pm (12am replay later tonight via NFL Network): Lions (Calvin Johnson and Isaiah Johnson) at *MY* Redskins (none)

8:00pm (Live via ESPN!): Bills (Mario Butler) at Browns (none)

**note...the Bills released Rod Sweeting yesterday

 

[BornAJacket]

Guess he didn't have the rap sheet that Ryan wanted.

 

[GTJT622]

The Bills defense is loaded. Hopefully Butler will make the 53 man roster. He had 6 solo tackles and 1 pass defended in their first preseason game which is pretty good.

Some positive vibes regarding Butler out of Bills camp...yet another Jacket who originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of college...

http://www.buffalorumblings.com/buf...-counts-2015-nfl-preseason-week-1-vs-panthers
CB Mario Butler (15): One of training camp's biggest surprises so far is Butler, who might be the favorite to make the team as the sixth cornerback for now. If he does, he won't play on defense much, so he'll have to play on teams, and the team has thus far afforded him an opportunity to earn a role there.

http://buffalowdown.com/2015/08/18/buffalo-bills-training-camp-august-18th-thoughts/
On the positive side, the completions of 15 yards or less were few and far between, as Robey and Mario Butler shined by jumping routes and breaking up passes from Manziel and McCown.

 

[GTJT622]

Some updates on some Jackets...

• Neither Emmanuel Dieke or Kevin Cone are projected to make the Fish's 53 man roster per The Sun Sentinel 2 days ago, though Dieke was recently elevated to 2nd team DE so he has a chance given some good performances in upcoming preseason games. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-dolphins/fl-dolphins-roster-2015-20150818-story.html
  
• TJ Barnes is still projected to make the Jets' opening day roster per the latest from espn.com 2 days ago... http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/53142/new-york-jets-53-man-roster-projection-2
• Stephen Hill and Rod Sweeting have been cut
• Zach Laskey made news this week during a brawl between the Rams and Cowpunks in mini-team workouts between the two at Cowpunks' training facilities in California...Laskey got a punch in on Head Cowpunk Dez Bryant (attaboy Zach!) http://sportdfw.com/2015/08/19/dallas-cowboys-practice-with-rams-turns-into-brawl/ But, there are two Rams with #45 on their roster and questions exist if it was in fact Zach or the other #45...I'll be pleased if it was Zach.
  
• Quayshawn Nealy still projected to be cut eventually by the Seahawks. Tough to make that loaded defensive roster. Hopefully he'll get a shot at the practice squad to develop and/or catch on with another team.
  
• Louis Young still not favored to make the Panthers roster.

 

[GTJT622]

Thursday's box score bullets:

Calvin Johnson (Lions): did not play
Isaiah Johnson (Lions): 3 solo tackles, 0 assists

Mario Butler (Bills): 2 solo tackles, 0 assists